President Jokowi Hands out Cash Bonuses to Paralympics Medalists

President Jokowi receives Indonesian contingent participating in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Friday (17/9). (Photo by: Cabinet Secretariat PR/Jay)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Friday (17/9) handed out bonuses to athletes and their coaches who have participated in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

In the event which adhered to strict health protocols, the President extended his highest appreciation to the athletes for their hard work and achievements.

“Thank you for winning gold medals from badminton. It’s not only one gold medal but two. It’s a leap which proved your competences in global arena. I also would like to congratulate silver and bronze medalists,” he said while extending appreciation to coaches, officials, Chef de Mission, and Indonesian Ambassador to Japan who supported Indonesia in the event.

According to the President, as a token of appreciation to the athletes, the Government of Indonesia handed out cash bonuses to them. Each individual gold medalist received Rp5.5 billion, silver medalist received Rp2.5 billion, and bronze medalist received Rp1.5 billion.

“Other athletes who did not win a medal and their coaches will also receive bonuses. However, I will not announce the amount; Minister of Youth and Sports who will do it,” he said.

Also on the occasion, the President reminded the athletes to prepare themselves to compete in the upcoming 2024 Paris Paralympics. He expressed hope that Indonesia can surpass the achievement in the 2024 Paralympics.

“I hope this achievement can inspire us, motivate us, both athletes and people in general, to work hard at achieving target, and to give the best for the nation and country,” he stated.

For the record, out of 23 athletes from seven sports competed in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, Indonesian contingent has successfully snatched nine medals; two gold medals, three silver medals, and four bronze medals. Indonesia ranked 43^rd among countries participated in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. The ranking significantly increased compared to that of the 2016 Paralympic Games when Indonesia ranked 76^th with one bronze medal.

The medalists in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics are as follows:

1. Leani Ratri Oktila/Khalimatus Sadiyah in para-badminton women’s doubles SL3-SU5 (gold);
2. Leani Ratri Oktila/Hary Susanto in para-badminton mixed doublesSL3-SU5 (gold);
3. Ni Nengah Widiasih, in women’s 41-kilogram para powerlifting(silver);
4. Dheva Anrimusthi, in para-badminton men’s singlesSU5 (silver);
5. Leani Ratri Oktila, in para-badminton women’s singles SL4 (silver);
6. Saptoyogo Purnomo, in athletics, men’s 100metres– T37 (bronze);
7. David Jacobs, in table tennis men’s singles class 10(bronze);
8. Suryo Nugroho in para-badminton men’s singlesSU5 (bronze); and
9. Fredy Setiawan in para-badminton men’s singles SL4 (bronze).(SLN/UN)(RAS/LW)